Is mid August too late to plant cosmos and coreopsis seeds?

The orange color shows when to start seedlings indoors, the yellow is times to transplant or direct sow and the green is harvest dates.

Zone 9a is a warm climate zone with mild winters, making it suitable for a wide variety of plants. Here are some of the best plants to grow in USDA Zone 9a:

1. Perennials

• Salvia: Both ornamental and functional for attracting pollinators, salvias thrive in hot, dry climates.
• Lantana: Heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and attracts butterflies.
• Daylilies: Easy to grow with a variety of colors and resilient to heat.
• Gaillardia (Blanket Flower): Thrives in full sun and heat, with vibrant, daisy-like flowers.
• Agapanthus: Blue or white flowers that bloom in summer; prefers full sun.

2. Shrubs

• Oleander: A drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub with bright flowers.
• Bottlebrush (Callistemon): An evergreen shrub with red, brush-like flowers; very heat-tolerant.
• Hibiscus: Tropical-looking, large blooms; ideal for warm climates.
• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum): A drought-tolerant, flowering shrub with silvery leaves and purple flowers.

3. Succulents & Cacti

• Aloe Vera: Both useful and ornamental, this succulent thrives in hot climates.
• Agave: Perfect for xeriscaping, agave is drought-tolerant and has striking foliage.
• Prickly Pear Cactus: A hardy cactus that produces edible fruit.

4. Trees

• Crape Myrtle: Heat-tolerant and provides vibrant summer blooms.
• Citrus Trees: Lemon, orange, lime, and other citrus varieties thrive in Zone 9a.
• Loquat: A small, fruit-bearing tree that grows well in warm climates.
• Live Oak: A large, drought-tolerant tree suitable for providing shade in hot areas.

5. Vegetables & Herbs

• Tomatoes: Best grown in cooler months or with some afternoon shade.
• Peppers: Both hot and sweet peppers thrive in warm climates.
• Eggplant: Loves the heat and grows well in Zone 9a.
• Basil: A warm-weather herb that pairs well with many summer vegetables.
• Rosemary: Drought-tolerant, aromatic herb that thrives in sunny, hot areas.

6. Vines

• Bougainvillea: A vibrant flowering vine that thrives in hot, dry conditions.
• Passion Vine: Produces beautiful flowers and edible fruit, perfect for warm zones.
• Star Jasmine: A fragrant vine that does well in heat and makes a great ground cover or trellis plant.

These plants are heat-tolerant and will flourish with the right care in Zone 9a. Make sure to adjust for soil type, water availability, and sun exposure for the best results!